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Plain bearing bushings & flanged bushings
Plain bearings - also known as slide bearings or plain bearing bushings – are cylindrical machine elements that are used between moving components. Their main function is to reduce the friction between a shaft and the surrounding fixture and to protect both components from wear.
iglidur plain bearing bushings from igus consist of tribologically optimised high-performance plastics. This means that they ensure the lowest coefficient of friction and mechanical stability without additional lubrication. The various iglidur materials are suitable for a wide range of application conditions, whether in dirt and dust, in cleanrooms, under water or in contact with aggressive chemicals. In this respect, iglidur plain bearing bushings offer maintenance-free use, optimum wear resistance and noticeable cost advantages over metallic alternatives.
More about the properties of iglidur materials
You can obtain iglidur plain bearing bushings from stock in over 10,000 standard dimensions and various designs, from the sleeve bearing and the flanged bearing to the clip bearing. In addition, bearings can be manufactured in other shapes and dimensions according to your individual requirements.
Types of plain bearing bushings
Plain bearings are available in various designs depending on the mechanical requirements of the respective application. The two most important basic types are sleeve bearings and flanged bearings. iglidur plain bearing bushings from igus are available in dimensions according to metric and inch standards and are compatible with the common standards (ISO 3547, DIN 1850).
Application examples - bearing bushings in practice
More types at a glance
In addition to the two basic forms, igus offers numerous other designs for special installation situations:
| Series / Type | Intended use | Available in the shop |
|---|---|---|
| Thrust washers | Installation from the outside of the housing, easy replacement | Shop now |
| Guide rings | Purely axial load, as a supplement to bushings, simple installation | Shop now |
| Clip bearings | Tool-free, simple installation; secure in sheet metal due to double flange | Shop now |
| Two hole flange bearings | Viewable solution; can be used without toleranced housing bore | Shop now |
| Double flange bearing | Simple installation, secure in sheet metal due to double flange | Shop now |
| Disc springs | Compensation of axial play and manufacturing tolerances, damping effect | Shop now |
| Split bearings | Simple retrofitting without dismantling the shaft | Shop now |
| Pre-loaded two hole flange bearings | Viewable solution; can be used without toleranced housing bore; clearance-free | Shop now |
| Split bearings with anti-rotation feature | Simple installation, compensation of tolerances, torsion-resistant | Shop now |
| Clearance-free preloaded flanged bearings | Clearance-free and very quiet | Shop now |
Catalogue parts availability and custom parts options
Our plain bearing products are ready to ship within 24 hours and are dispatched worldwide from more than 73 countries to guarantee you fast delivery.
If your required size or design is not available as part of our standard range, you can have it manufactured completely bespoke. We manufacture everything from individual items to high volumes from our iglidur high-performance plastics.
To ensure the best option for you, we use various manufacturing processes: 3D printing, mechanical processing or injection moulding.
Pro's and con's of iglidur materials against metal alternatives
iglidur high-performance plastics
Benefits
➕ Requires no additional lubrication
➕ No maintenance due to lubrication
➕ High chemical resistance
➕ Available without PTFE
➕ Vibration-damping
➕ Corrosion-resistant
➕ Low weight
➕ Non-magnetic
➕ Good value for money
Disadvantages
➖ Static surface pressure lower compared to metal bearings
➖ Lower pv value compared to metal bearings
➖ Lower thermal conductivity
➖ Greater bearing clearance
Sintered bronze
Benefits
➕ Oil viscosity increases at excessively high temperatures
➕ Low wear at fast rotations
➕ Suitable for high speeds
➕ Lubricated by the manufacturer
➕ High pv value possible
➕ Low clearance
Disadvantages
➖ Not for low speeds and pivoting movements
➖ Low radial load capacity
➖ Contains liquid lubricants
➖ Not suitable for edge loads
➖ Not suitable for vibration
➖ High weight
Sintered bronze metal with PTFE or POM gliding layer
Benefits
➕ No additional lubrication with PTFE gliding layer
➕ High static load resistance
➕ Low coefficient of friction
➕ Good thermal conductivity
➕ Low bearing clearance
Disadvantages
➖ Thin gliding layer - if worn, bearing point damage may be imminent
➖ Not ideal for linear motion
➖ Loss of performance without lead
➖ Not corrosion-free
➖ High weight
➖ Magnetic
The bestsellers: material recommendations
| Material | Optimised for | Typical application | More material data |
|---|---|---|---|
| iglidur G | All-rounder – very low coefficients of friction, for edge loads & impacts | Agricultural engineering, automotive, construction machinery, mechanical engineering | iglidur G material data |
| iglidur JPF | PTFE-free, continuous use, low moisture absorption | Vending machinery, printing industry, beverage industry, aviation | iglidur JPF material data |
| iglidur A180 | High media resistance, food contact | Beverage industry, food industry, medical technology | iglidur A180 material data |
| iglidur X | High temperatures up to +250°C, contact with chemicals | Food industry, wood processing, plastic | iglidur X material data |
| iglidur TX1 | Particularly economical, everyday applications | Construction machinery, agricultural engineering, heavy machinery, plant engineering | iglidur TX1 material data |
Frequently asked questions
Plain bearing bushings are used wherever rotating, swivelling or linear moving connections have to be supported, whether in agricultural engineering, vehicle construction, the food industry or medical technology.
Plastic plain bearing bushings offer considerable advantages over metal bearing bushings, particularly where freedom from lubrication, corrosion resistance or light weight are required.
While rolling bearings (ball bearings, roller bearings) work with rolling elements that enable movement, plain bearing bushings are based on direct sliding contact between two surfaces. Due to rolling friction, rolling bearings have a lower coefficient of friction than plain bearings.
However, the design also results in specific advantages for plain bearing bushings: They are lighter, quieter and less sensitive to dirt, dust, shocks and moisture. Sliding sleeves require less installation space and are generally much more cost-effective.
A flange bushing is also called a top hat bushing or bearing. It is a sleeve bushing with a large flange on one end of the component.
Yes there are two names that people call the same part. A sleeve or flange bushing or bearing.
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